Adaptable pocket and tethering system

ABSTRACT

A system and method of attaching a pocket to an article of clothing or an accessory via a magnetic attachment or a bistable spring structure. The system includes a first sleeve, a first magnet, a pocket, a second sleeve, and a second magnet such that the pocket is attached to the article of clothing or the accessory via a magnetic attraction between the first magnet and the second magnet. The system includes a bistable spring structure and a pocket such that the pocket is attached to the article of clothing or the accessory via the bistable spring structure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/376,049 filed Aug. 17, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a detachable pocket for apparel such as an article of clothing and, in particular, to a pocket adapted to be detachably, moveably, and magnetically affixed and/or tethered to an article of clothing or accessory and which serves to embellish the article of clothing or accessory and/or temporarily store and/or conceal and/or display items via the pocket.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

In the clothing industry, pockets such as shirt pockets or pants pockets are typically attached to a clothing item via stitching. This attachment is formed at the time of manufacturing of the clothing item. Pockets may also be attached to a clothing item via one or more pins, for example. Such an attachment may occur after the clothing item is sold to a customer, and may be attached by the customer.

Many articles of clothing are manufactured without attached pockets. This may be because pockets are considered unnecessary for the clothing item, physically uncomfortable to the user, or unaesthetic. Some articles of clothing are manufactured with a plurality of pockets. This may be to allow for the storing or concealing of a multitude of articles in different locations along the clothing item.

Some existing pockets have printed indicia or affixed logos or artwork or the like which may have been created to achieve a desired aesthetic effect.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure may relate to at least one of the above. However, the present disclosure may also prove useful to other technical areas. Therefore, the disclosure should not be construed as necessarily limited to addressing any of the above.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a pocket which may overcome some of the disadvantages of conventional pockets. For example, pockets which are permanently sewn into the clothing item provide no flexibility in the location of the pocket or additional utility of the pocket. Even if the pocket was detachable, the process for detaching and reattaching the pocket may be timely and cumbersome and the clothing item may become torn in the process. If the pocket is attached via a pin, the result may be a loosely attached pocket which may be liable to become detached from the clothing item without the knowledge of the wearer.

Furthermore, pockets with printed indicia or affixed logos or artwork are usually permanent and fixed with respect to the pocket and clothing item and do not permit the pocket or clothing item itself to have versatility in their appearances.

Accordingly, in a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, a pocket is provided, comprising a first magnet disposed on one side of the pocket which may be magnetically attached to a second magnet, wherein at least a portion of a clothing fabric may be disposed between the first and second magnet.

In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the magnet includes at least one magnetic component.

In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the pocket may be attached to an apparel or an apparel accessory such as an article of clothing such as a belt, jacket, pants, boot, or hat, or to a carrying item such as a briefcase, handbag, or purse.

In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the pocket includes an opening to allow placement of the magnetic component inside.

In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the sleeve may be at least partially sewn to the pocket with the magnetic component disposed therein.

In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the pocket or a plurality of pockets may be adapted to be modular and may be provided to allow for user customization of the pocket with respect to the apparel via attachment, detachment, adjustment and rearrangement of the pocket. Additionally or alternatively, the components that comprise the pocket and or its attachment may be custom selected and modularly configured by a user. For example, a user may custom select the magnets, tethers, or embellishment components.

In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the magnets are configured as modular magnets and are capable of attachment, detachment, adjustment and rearrangement and to be interchangeable by the user.

In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the pockets permit a user sensitive to magnetic fields to wear a magnetized pocket and may be capable of mitigating magnetic interference with magnetically sensitive pocket contents.

In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the pockets permit a magnetotherapy user to conceal therapy magnets in the pockets, and to adjust magnet strength and to harness the effects of magnetic fields.

In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the pocket allows for at least one of the following: (i) the adjustment of magnet strength and the harnessing of the effects of magnetic fields, (ii) to protect sensitive pocket contents, such as cell phone and credit cards, eliminating risk of data erasure from stray magnetic fields, (iii) customize pocket clamping forces, by allowing addition of extra magnets, for more secure carrying of items that are bulky, awkward or otherwise heavy, (iv) users highly sensitive to magnetic fields to use such pockets, (v) user option to add or dynamically arrange magnets for greater clamping strength, (vi) personal, customized magnet choices for magnetotherapy users, (vii) freedom for a user to dynamically arrange magnets within the pocket, and (viii) user embellishment and customization of the exterior of the pocket.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, a tethering mechanism comprising one or more multiple bands is provided which may be threaded or inserted through an apparel and/or accessory item, and a pocket may be attached to the apparel and/or accessory item via the band tethering mechanism.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the tethering mechanism may be a bistable spring mechanism.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the bistable spring mechanism may be a layered, flexible, stainless steel bistable spring band, encased or sealed with fabric, silicone, plastic, or other material.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the bistable spring mechanism may be exposed, partially exposed, or concealed from view.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the bistable spring mechanism may be permanently or non-permanently affixed to the apparel and/or accessory item.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the bistable spring mechanism may be inserted or threaded through an entire or a partial length of the apparel and/or accessory item.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the bistable spring mechanism may have bistable springing properties.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the bistable spring mechanism may be formed of metal, leather, or rubber material.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, one or more pockets may be attached to the bistable spring mechanism via at least one clipping and/or magnetic mechanism.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the bistable spring mechanism may contain or have attached thereto a non-permanent or permanent magnet source for affixing a pocket containing or having attached thereto a permanent and/or non-permanent magnet.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, at least one clip, hook, clamp, etc. and/or magnet may be non-permanently or permanently attached to the apparel and/or accessory item and/or pocket.

The present disclosure may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative. Variations are contemplated as being part of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate example embodiments of the present disclosure. Such drawings are not to be construed as necessarily limiting the disclosure. Like numbers and/or similar numbering scheme can refer to like and/or similar elements throughout.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1A shows an exploded front-perspective view of a pocket attachment to an article of clothing in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1B shows an exploded rear-perspective view of the pocket in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1C shows a front-perspective view of a two pocket chamber in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1D shows a front-perspective view of a pocket having a window in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2A shows an exploded front-perspective view of an adornment attachment to a pocket in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2B shows a front-perspective view of a pocket having the adornment in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 shows an exploded front-perspective view of a magnetotherapy pocket attachment to an article of clothing in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4A shows a front-perspective view of a pocket having a window and an EMI/RFI shield in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 4B shows a rear-perspective view of the pocket of FIG. 4A having correlated magnets;

FIG. 5 shows a rear view of a pocket in accordance with yet a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 shows a front view of a tether, and a magnet, in accordance with yet a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 shows a rear view of a pocket-tether combination in accordance with yet a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 shows a front-perspective view of a pocket attached to a belt in accordance with yet a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 shows an exploded front-perspective view of a pocket having an embellishment in accordance with yet a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 shows an exterior view of a boot shaft having a pocket attached to an interior of a boot with a tether and magnet in accordance with yet a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 shows an exterior view of a boot shaft with a pocket attached with a tether and magnet;

FIG. 12 shows a front-perspective view of a reversible belt having a multitude of apertures in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 shows a front-perspective view of an adjustable tether in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 shows a rear view of a pocket having a plurality of concave-shaped sleeves in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 shows a front view of a pocket attached to a belt via a magnetic connection in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 shows a perspective exploded view of a pocket connection to a belt having tether apertures and a magnetic connection in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17 shows a perspective exploded view of a pocket connection to a section of a boot shaft via a magnetic and clip connection in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18 shows a front perspective view of a bistable spring tethering mechanism threaded through a belt and having a cell phone pocket attached thereto in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 19 shows a rear view of a pocket with clipping mechanisms for attachment to a belt-tethering mechanism in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 20 shows a rear view of a pocket having two sleeves for either containing magnets or for clips to be inserted therethrough for attachment to a belt-tethering mechanism in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of a belt having a bistable spring mechanism and a flex frame tension clip and buckling mechanism in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure is now described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as necessarily being limited to the example embodiments disclosed herein. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure is thorough and complete, and fully conveys the concepts of the present disclosure to those skilled in the relevant art. In addition, features described with respect to certain example embodiments may be combined in and/or with various other example embodiments. Different aspects and/or elements of example embodiments, as disclosed herein, may be combined in a similar manner.

The terminology used herein can imply direct or indirect, full or partial, temporary or permanent, action or inaction. For example, when an element is referred to as being “on,” “connected,” “coupled” or “attached” to another element, then the element can be directly on, connected, coupled, or attached to the other element and/or intervening elements may be present, including indirect and/or direct variants. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” or “directly attached” to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not necessarily be limited by such terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be necessarily limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “includes” and/or “comprising,” “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Further, alternate terminology should not be limited necessarily as exclusionary, but can be inclusionary as well.

Example embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the present disclosure. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, the example embodiments of the present disclosure should not be construed as necessarily limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein, but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1, which shows a perspective view of a pocket 10 prior to attachment to a clothing item 20 of the present invention. The pocket 10 may have a flap 12 which opens and closes from a front side of pocket 10. The pocket 10 may be formed of any material, e.g., fabric or metal. Sleeve 14 is attached to the backside of pocket 10 such that it may be at least partially closed on three sides, for example, at a bottom side and two lateral sides. The top side may remain open to allow for insertion of a permanent or non-permanent magnet 16 into the sleeve 14. The pocket 10 may then be moved adjacent to the clothing item 20, which may be a boot shaft 20, and may be held in place along boot shaft 20 due to a magnetic attraction between magnet 16 and a second permanent or non-permanent magnet 18 disposed on the opposite side of boot shaft 20. In an alternative embodiment, second magnet 18 may be inserted into a second sleeve (not shown) which may be sewn on three sides to the boot shaft 20. In another alternative embodiment, sleeve 14 may be sewn to the inside of pocket 10, and first magnet 16 may be inserted into the sleeve 14 by inserting it through the opened flap 12. It will also be appreciated that the pocket 10 may be attached to the clothing item 20 in other manners besides or in addition to magnetically, e.g., friction, form-fitting, or adhesive means, and all are within the scope of the present invention. In addition, it will also be appreciated that any shaped magnet, e.g., any material that is capable of being placed inside of sleeve 14 and that may cause an attachment between the pocket 10 and the clothing item 20, is within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, it will also be appreciated that the pocket 10 may be arranged in/attached to the clothing item 20 in any direction, e.g., horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, according to the present invention.

FIG. 1B shows an example embodiment of pocket 10 having sleeve 14 attached to the backside of pocket 10 on three sides, and having a magnet 16 disposed into the sleeve 14.

FIG. 1C shows an example embodiment of a pocket 10 having attached thereto, to a front side of pocket 10, and an additional pocket 24 for storing content, thus creating a multiple-pocket configuration.

FIG. 1D shows an example embodiment of a pocket 10 having a window 26 disposed at a front side of pocket 10 for display of an item inserted into pocket 10 via opening 22 at the top side of pocket 10.

FIG. 2A shows an example embodiment of a pocket 10 configured, for example, as a credit card or identity card or money holder. An embellishment 32, which may be a modular embellishment, such as a tassel, may be disposed or attached at a front side of pocket 10. As an example embodiment, embellishment 32 may be in the form of a medallion that has extensions or tabs that are adapted as a male receptor 30 for connection to the front side of pocket 10 via a female receptor or channel 28. In an example alternative embodiment, embellishment 32 may be magnetically attached to the front side of pocket 10.

FIG. 2B shows an example embodiment of pocket 10 having embellishment 32 attached to the front side of pocket 10.

FIG. 3 shows an example embodiment of a pocket 10 having a circular or oval shape and including a Velcro 12 to open and close the pocket, instead of flap 12. As in FIG. 1A, sleeve 14 may be sewn to the backside of pocket 10 such that it may be at least partially closed on three sides, for example, at a bottom side and two lateral sides. The top side may remain open to allow for insertion of magnet 34 into the sleeve 14. The pocket 10 may then be moved adjacent to the clothing item 20, which may be a boot shaft 20, and may be held in place along boot shaft due to a magnetic attraction between magnet 34 and a second magnet 36 disposed on the opposite side of boot shaft 20.

FIG. 4A shows an example embodiment of a pocket 10 having a window 26 at the front and sides. Additionally, the back of pocket 10 includes or may be formed of an electromagnetic interference (EMI)/radio-frequency interference (RFI) 38, as is known to one skilled in the art. In addition or alternatively, any other magnetic or radio wave shield may be employed to separate the content in the pocket from a user's body and/or to mitigate magnetic fields exposure for contents of the pocket.

FIG. 4B shows an example embodiment of pocket 10 in which four sleeves 14 are attached near the edges of the backside of pocket 10. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4B, each sleeve 14 contains a magnet 34.

FIG. 5 shows a rear view of an alternative example embodiment of a pocket 10 having a tether 40 (shown, for example, in FIG. 6) for attachment to a clothing item 20 of the present invention. The tether 40 may be used for attachment to the clothing item 20 by itself or in addition to the magnetic attachment 34. The pocket 10 may have two columns containing three empty sleeves 14, each of the columns disposed at an outer edge of the pocket 10 along a vertical plane. However, it will be appreciated that other numbers of sleeves and/or columns are possible, e.g., one or three, and that the columns and/or sleeves may be disposed at other locations along the pocket 10, and are within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, it will also be appreciated that the sleeves may contain one or more magnets 34 (shown, for example, in FIG. 7). Furthermore, the tether 40 may be inserted horizontally, vertically, and/or diagonally through the columns containing the sleeves. For example, the sleeves may have openings at a bottom and top end instead of, or in addition to, openings at the sides for insertion of the tether 40.

FIG. 6 shows a front view of a tether 40 having two button fasteners 42 disposed near opposite edges of the tether 40. The tether 40 may have at least a substantial rectangular configuration, and may be detachable and/or reversible. Although a tether 40 is shown in the example embodiment, any fastener suitable for attaching a pocket to a clothing article, e.g., snaps, hooks, clips is within the scope of the present invention. The tether may be permanently or semi-permanently or non-permanently attached to the pocket. However, it will also be appreciated that other geometrical configurations are possible for the tether 40 according to alternative example embodiments, e.g., square, semicircular, circular, triangular, elliptical, pentagonal, hexagonal, or any other suitably appropriate geometric shape. Indeed, according to an example embodiment of the present invention, the tether 40 may have an oval configuration. When using the tether or other fasteners or shapes, the tether or fastener may be adjusted to correspond with the specific type of clothing article to which it is being attached. It will also be appreciated that other numbers of button fasteners 42 are possible, e.g., one or three, and that the button fasteners 42 may be disposed anywhere along the tether 40. In addition to buttons, other types of fasteners as known to one skilled in the art may be used with the tether 40. FIG. 6 also shows a magnet 34 which may be of any strength such that the pocket 10 may be capable of being attached to the clothing item 20 in addition to the tether 40.

It will further be appreciated that the magnet/tether sleeve or sleeves may be constructed as a separate unit or units that may be used modularly for attachment to new, recycled or upcycled pockets or pocket-like containers, e.g. a pocketbook or cell phone case or apparel, e.g., a skirt. Thus, for example, an existing or new pocketbook, clutch, cell phone case, and/or apparel may be customized or retrofitted with a modular magnet/tether sleeve which may be coupled with, e.g., a belt. Alternatively or in addition, a clutch band unit may include a magnet/tether sleeve element for modularly adapting and/or retrofitting a pocketbook.

FIG. 7 shows a view of the alternative example embodiment of FIG. 5 but including the tether 40 along with button fasteners 42 disposed laterally with respect to the sleeves 14 through openings in the sleeves 14 of the top row, as well as two magnets 34 disposed in sleeves 14 of the bottom row. It may be appreciated that a tether 40 may be disposed laterally or longitudinally or in any other direction through the sleeve 14 allowing the pocket 10 to be arranged in/attached to any direction on the apparel item 20. However, it will also be appreciated that other configurations for the tether 40 and magnets 34 with respect to the pocket 10 is intended and within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of the pocket 10 of FIG. 7 attached to a belt 44. The pocket 10 has one tether 40 and two magnets 34 (not shown in this view). As seen in FIG. 8, the button fasteners 42 extend through apertures 46 of the belt 44 for fastening, along with the magnets 34, the pocket 10 to the clothing item 20. The tether 40, via the button fasteners 42, attaches to a front part of the belt 44, and the tether 40 may have an adjustable length to allow for easy and comfortable attachment to the belt 44. If the belt 44 or any other apparel item does not include apertures 46 at a location convenient for a user, the user may form an aperture at a desired location via, e.g., a grommet kit, hole puncher, to attach the tether and/or pocket as disclosed herein. The tether 40 may be visible or concealed and coupled with a pocket 10 or attached independently of the pocket 10.

FIG. 9 shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of a pocket 10 having an embellishment 32, which may be a modular embellishment, such as a tassel, and which may include, for example, a key ring, disposed or attached at a side of pocket 10. The embellishment 32 may have extensions or tabs that are adapted as a male receptor 30 for connection to the side of pocket 10 via a female receptor or channel 28. In an example alternative embodiment, embellishment 32 may be magnetically attached to the side of pocket 10.

FIG. 10 shows an exterior view of an example embodiment of a boot shaft 48 having a pocket 10 attached to an interior of the boot shaft 48 having both a tether 40 and a magnet 34. The tether 40 may be a reversible tether having button fasteners 42 which extend through openings on an exterior side of the boot shaft 48 thereby attaching pocket 10 to the interior side of the boot shaft 48. It will be appreciated that other configurations and/or numbers of magnets 34 and tethers 40 and sleeves 14 of the pocket 10 are possible according to alternative example embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows an exterior view of a boot shaft 48 with a pocket 10 of the example embodiment of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 shows an example embodiment of a belt which may be a reversible belt 50 having a multitude of apertures 46. The belt may be configured for affixing thereto at least one pocket 10 via a connection between the button fasteners 42 of a tether 40 and apertures 46 in the belt 50. The belt 50 may be reversible since the tether 40 is detachable and/or reversible. As an example, a tether 40 is shown connected via the button fasteners 42 in a horizontal direction to the reversible belt 50 via the apertures 46 in the belt or via a threading opening of the belt. However, it will also be appreciated that tether 40 may be connected to the reversible belt 50 in a vertical or diagonal direction. In addition, the tether 40 may dual function as a belt buckle, connecting one end of belt 50 to the other end of belt 50. Thus, the tether 40 may be instead of, or in addition to, a standard belt buckle or a tension belt buckle system. Furthermore, the belt 50 may be aesthetically finished on both sides or only one side or a portion of one or both sides.

The reversible belt 50 may be designed as a single, continuous unit adapted for wrapping around, or suspending on, or across a user, and the buckling mechanism at the end of belt 50 may be accomplished via one or multiple fasteners, tethers, buckles or any other means known to one skilled in the art. In an alternative embodiment, the reversible belt 50 may be designed as one or multiple segments adapted for wrapping around, or suspending on, or across a user, that may be affixed together by tethers or fasteners or any other means known to one skilled in the art.

FIG. 13 shows an adjustable tether 40 of an example embodiment of the present invention. The adjustable tether 40 has button fasteners 42. The adjustable tether 40 may be configured to be adjusted vertically, horizontally, and/or diagonally into any position along the clothing item 20, which may be a belt 50, where it may be capable of being affixed. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the tether 40 may connect to more than one pocket 10, thus allowing for the attachment of multiple pockets to the clothing item 20 or the tether may be fastened to a belt independent of coupling a pocket or pockets.

FIG. 14 shows a rear view of a pocket 10 having a plurality of concave-shaped sleeves 14. The concave-shaped sleeves 14 allow for easy insertion of a magnet 34 and/or a tether 40. For example, a magnet 34 or tether 40 may be inserted into the sleeve 14 via the inwardly curved surface of the sleeve 14, and the tether 40 may be threaded through an aperture 52 disposed at an upper or lower end of the sleeve 14. In an alternative embodiment, belt ends of the belt 50 may be fastened magnetically via, for example, insertion of magnets 34 into sleeves formed within, or attached to, the belt 50.

FIG. 15 shows a zippered pocket 10 attached to a belt 44. The pocket 10 is detachably attached to the belt 44 via at least one magnetic sleeve 14 partially or fully sewn to the pocket 10. In an example embodiment, the sleeve 14 is attached to the backside of the pocket 10. A magnetic component, such as, for example, a magnetic disc, is disposed within the sleeve 14 such as via a top side of the sleeve 14. The pocket 10 may be moved along the belt 44 to a location selected by a user. The pocket 10 is held in place along the belt 44 due to a magnetic attraction between the magnet contained in the sleeve 14 and a second magnet 18 disposed on the opposite side of the belt 44, or via a tethering mechanism further described herein. Furthermore, it will also be appreciated that the pocket 10 may be arranged in/attached to the belt 44 in any direction, e.g., horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, according to the present invention. As described above, the pocket 10 could be attached to other articles such as, for example, a vest, boot shaft or a purse or tote bag. In the embodiment of a vest, the detachable nature of the pocket 10 permits a belt 44 to be threaded through apertures of the vest.

FIG. 16 shows a belt 44 having tether apertures 54 to which a pocket 10 is magnetically attached. A magnet 18 is disposed on a side of the belt 44 opposite to a side that the pocket 10 is disposed along the belt 44. For example, the magnet 18 is disposed along an interior side of the belt 44, such as in a direction facing a wearer of the belt, while the pocket 10 is disposed on an exterior side of the belt 44 facing away from the wearer.

The pocket 10 is detachably attached to the belt 44 via at least one magnetic sleeve 14 partially or fully attached to the pocket 10. In an example embodiment, the sleeve 14 is attached to the backside of the pocket 10 via at least one rivet 56. It will also be appreciated that the sleeve 14 may be attached to the pocket 10 in other manners besides or in addition to a rivet 56 whether permanently or non-permanently, e.g., bolt, adhesive, and all are within the scope of the present invention. A magnetic component 16 is disposed within the sleeve 14 such as via a top side of the sleeve 14. The pocket 10 is held in place along the belt 44 due to a magnetic attraction between the magnet 16 contained in the sleeve 14 and the magnet 18 disposed on the opposite side of the belt 44, or via a tethering mechanism further described herein.

FIG. 17 shows a section of a boot shaft 48 to which a pocket 10 is magnetically attached. A magnetic sleeve 14 is disposed on an exterior side of the boot 48 opposite to an interior side to which a user's foot is placed within the boot 48. In an alternative embodiment, the magnetic sleeve is disposed along an interior side of the boot 48, such as in a direction facing toward a user's foot, or within the material that forms the boot 48. In an example embodiment, the magnetic sleeve 14 is attached to the boot shaft 48 via at least one rivet 56. It will also be appreciated that the magnetic sleeve 14 may be attached to the boot shaft 48 in other manners besides or in addition to a rivet 56 whether permanently or non-permanently, e.g., bolt, adhesive, and all are within the scope of the present invention. A magnetic component 16 is disposed within the sleeve 14 such as via a top side of the sleeve 14.

The pocket 10 is detachably attached to the boot shaft 48 via at least a second magnetic sleeve 58 partially or fully attached to the pocket 10. In an example embodiment, the second magnetic sleeve 58 is attached to the backside of the pocket 10 via at least one rivet 56. A second magnetic component 16 is disposed within the second magnetic sleeve 58 such as via a top side of the sleeve 58. The pocket 10 is held in place along the boot shaft 48 due to a magnetic attraction between the magnet contained in the sleeve 16 attached to the pocket 10 and the magnet 16 attached to the boot shaft 48. Additionally, a clipping mechanism 60 may be disposed between the two magnetic sleeves 14, 58.

FIG. 18 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention that, instead of using a magnetic attachment to attach a pocket to a belt or other article of apparel, uses a non-magnetic attachment. For example, a bistable spring mechanism 62, e.g., slap band, is used to join a pocket 10 to a belt 44. The joining may be either a partial joining or a complete joining, and the joining may be done solely via the bistable spring mechanism 62 or via the bistable spring mechanism 62 and at least one other joining mechanism, which may or may not be magnetic. In addition, more than one bistable spring mechanism 62 may be used to join the pocket 10 to the belt 44.

The bistable spring mechanism 62 may be detachably attached to the belt 44 via its snapping, bistable spring mechanism. The bistable spring mechanism may exist in either a straight and coiled/circular state. The bistable spring mechanism 62 may be attached to the belt 44 by snapping or slapping it around the belt 44 causing it to coil around the belt 44. It will also be appreciated that the bistable spring mechanism 62 may be attached to the belt 44 in other manners besides or in addition to its snapping, bi-stable spring mechanism whether permanently or non-permanently, e.g., encasement, bolt, adhesive, and all are within the scope of the present invention.

The bistable spring mechanism 62 is attached to the belt 44 via threading the bistable spring mechanism 62 through the belt 44. In an alternative embodiment, the bistable spring mechanism 62 is attached to the belt 44 via other manners besides or in addition to being threaded through the belt 44 whether permanently or non-permanently, e.g. bolt, adhesive, and all are within the scope of the present invention. The bistable spring mechanism 62 may also be placed over or within the belt 44, for example, in the form of a sleeve. In addition, the bistable spring mechanism 62 may be inserted or threaded through an entirety of or a partial length of the belt 44.

The bistable spring mechanism 62 is attached to the pocket 10, which may be used, for example, to contain a cellphone or wallet, via being threaded through the pocket 10. In an alternative embodiment, the bistable spring mechanism 62 is attached to the pocket 10 via other manners besides or in addition to being threaded through the pocket 10 whether permanently or non-permanently, e.g., bolt, adhesive, and all are within the scope of the present invention. The bistable spring mechanism 62 may also be placed over the pocket 10, for example, in the form of a sleeve.

Additionally or alternatively, the bistable spring mechanism 62 is attached to the pocket 10 magnetically. The pocket 10 is detachably attached to the bistable spring mechanism 62 via at least one magnetic sleeve 14 partially or fully attached to the pocket 10. The magnetic sleeve 14 may be attached to the backside of the pocket 10 via at least one rivet 56. A magnetic component 16 is disposed within or on the magnetic sleeve 14 such as via a top side of the sleeve 14. The pocket 10 is held in place along the belt 44 due to a magnetic attraction between the magnet 16 contained in the sleeve 14 and the bistable spring mechanism 62 attached to the belt 44. Additionally or alternatively, the bistable spring mechanism 62 is attached to the pocket 10 via at least one clip. The pocket is detachably attached to the bistable spring mechanism via the at least one clip. The clip may be attached to backside of the pocket 10 so that it is fully or at least partially concealed from view. In addition or alternative to clips, other types of fasteners as known to one skilled in the art may be attached or partially attached to the belt and/or pocket to join or facilitate joining the belt 44 and the pocket 10. For example, barbs, hooks, clamps, screws, straps, and adhesive may be attached to the belt 44 and/or pocket 10.

The bistable spring mechanism 62 may be fully exposed, partially exposed, or concealed from view. For example, when concealed from view, both ends of the bistable spring mechanism 62 may be flush along opposite sides of the belt 10. As shown in FIG. 18, the bistable spring mechanism 62 is disposed partially interior to the belt 44 and partially behind or within the pocket 10 so that its view is fully concealed from view.

In an alternate embodiment, the band 62 may be a tether band that does not operate in the manner of a snap band, i.e. bistable springing properties, and may be formed of, for example, leather or rubber. However, it will also be appreciated that other materials are possible for the tether according to alternative example embodiments, for example, the tether, may be formed of any material, e.g., fabric or metal.

FIG. 19 shows a rear view of a pocket 10 having two clipping mechanisms 64 for attachment to an article of clothing such as a belt or to an accessory such as a purse. The pocket 10 may be directly attached to the article of clothing or accessory via the clipping mechanism 64 which may be a clip. The clip 64 may be permanently or non-permanently attached to the article of clothing or accessory. There may be one or more than two clips 64. The pocket 10 is detachably attached to the article of clothing or accessory via the clip 64. The clip 64 may be attached to backside of the pocket so that it is fully or at least partially concealed from view when the pocket 10 is attached to the article of clothing or accessory.

FIG. 20 shows a rear view of a pocket 10 having two sleeves 14 for containing magnets 16 or for insertion of clips 64. The magnets 16 or clips 64 attach or facilitate attachment of the pocket 10 to an article of clothing or accessory. There may be one sleeve or more than one sleeve, and the sleeves may be arranged in any direction, or in any location, along the backside of the pocket 10, e.g., horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, upper back portion, or lower portion, according to the present invention. In an alternative embodiment, one of the pockets 10 may contain a magnet 16, and the other pocket may contain the clip 64, e.g., has the clip at least partially inserted therethrough. The pocket 10 may be directly attached to the article of clothing or accessory via the magnet 16 and/or clip 64. The magnet 16 and/or clip 64 may be permanently or non-permanently attached to the article of clothing or accessory.

FIG. 21 shows a belt 44 having a bistable spring mechanism 62 and a flex frame tension clip and buckling mechanism 68. Magnet 18 is inserted into sleeve 14 and may be removable or fixed within sleeve 14. Magnet 18 may be hidden or at least partially visible. Magnet 18 may be of any strength or type such that sleeve 14 may be capable of being attached to bistable spring mechanism 62 which acts as a nonpermanent magnet 16 for attracting magnet 18. In an alternative embodiment, instead of a magnetic attachment, other types of attachments as known to one skilled in the art may be used such as a clip or adhesive.

Bistable spring mechanism 62 may provide scaffolding, constriction and/or stability for stand-alone wear, or for coupling with modular components, such as pocket containers, wrap skirts, and other accessories and apparel. Bistable spring mechanism 62 may be encased within, bonded within, or threaded through any textile, including leather, synthetic leather, or silicone rubber.

A portion of the belt 44, such as the tongue, may be composed of a stretchable, flexible textile 66, such as neoprene, providing constriction and allowing for a degree of wearer movement. This component may pass through or is buckled via flex frame tension clip and buckling mechanism 68.

Flex frame tension clip and buckling mechanism 68 may provide a means for elegantly harnessing textiles that are stretchable and to mitigate ripping and tearing of fabrics that are not suitable for conventional buckling mechanisms, such as bistable spring mechanism 62. The flex frame tension clip and buckling mechanism 68 may include a lock and release mechanism feature. The flex frame tension clip and buckling mechanism 68 may be lined on its interior with a nonslip, gripping material or coating. It may also be used modularly, as a form of clipping mechanism 64, for coupling a belt 44 and a pocketbook or clutch purse.

The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be fully exhaustive and/or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations in techniques and structures are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. For example, the tether, sleeve, and/or belt may be formed of any material, e.g., fabric or metal, elastic or non-elastic. Accordingly, such modifications and variations are contemplated as being a part of the present disclosure. It will further be appreciated that the magnet/tether sleeve or the bistable spring or the pocket may be constructed as separate units or elements that may be used modularly for attachment to articles of clothing or accessories, or may be constructed as part of, or integrated with, the article of clothing or accessory.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   10 FRONT OF POCKET -   12 POCKET CHAMBER ENTRY AND/OR CLOSURE -   14 MAGNET SLEEVE -   16 EXTERIOR MAGNET -   18 INTERIOR MAGNET -   20 CROSS-VIEW OF APPAREL -   22 BACK OF POCKET -   24 ADDITIONAL POCKET CHAMBER(S) -   26 POCKET WINDOW -   28 EMBELLISHMENT CHANNEL—SOCKET -   30 EMBELLISHMENT ANCHOR—STUD -   32 EMBELLISHMENT -   34 EXTERIOR SHUNTED OR CORRELATED MAGNET -   36 INTERIOR SHUNTED OR CORRELATED MAGNET -   38 EMI/RFI SHIELD -   40 TETHER -   42 BUTTON FASTENER -   44 BELT -   46 APERTURE -   48 BOOT SHAFT -   50 BELT -   52 APERTURE -   54 TETHER APERTURE -   56 RIVET -   58 SECOND MAGNETIC SLEEVE -   60 CLIP -   62 BISTABLE SPRING MECHANISM -   64 CLIPPING MECHANISM -   66 STRETCHABLE TEXTILE -   68 FLEX FRAME TENSION CLIP AND BUCKLING MECHANISM 

What is claimed is:
 1. An article of clothing or an accessory comprising: a first sleeve attached to an interior side of the article of clothing or the accessory; a first magnet disposed within the first sleeve; a pocket; a second sleeve attached to a back side or an inside of the pocket; and a second magnet disposed within the second sleeve, wherein the pocket is attached to the article of clothing or the accessory via a magnetic attraction between the first magnet and the second magnet.
 2. The article of clothing or the accessory of claim 1, wherein the second sleeve is sewn to the back side of the pocket such that at least one side of the second sleeve is open for insertion of the magnet.
 3. The article of clothing or the accessory of claim 1, wherein the back side of the pocket includes or is at least partially formed of a magnetic shield and/or a radio wave shield.
 4. The article of clothing or the accessory of claim 1, wherein the second sleeve comprises at least two sleeves.
 5. The article of clothing or the accessory of claim 1, further comprising: a tether inserted through an opening in the pocket, wherein the tether includes at least one fastener configured for attachment to the article of clothing or the accessory.
 6. The article of clothing or the accessory of claim 5, wherein the article of clothing or the accessory includes a plurality of apertures, wherein the pocket is attached to the article of clothing or the accessory via a connection between at least one aperture of the plurality of apertures and the at least one fastener.
 7. The article of clothing or the accessory of claim 5, wherein the tether is an adjustable tether configured to be adjusted vertically, horizontally, and/or diagonally along the article of clothing or the accessory.
 8. The article of clothing or the accessory of claim 5, wherein the tether is configured to connect a plurality of pockets to the article of clothing or the accessory.
 9. The article of clothing or the accessory of claim 5, further comprising: an embellishment magnetically attached to a front side of the pocket.
 10. The article of clothing or the accessory of claim 1, wherein the article of clothing is a belt, jacket, outerwear, pants, boot, hat, or vest, and wherein the accessory is a belt, briefcase, purse, handbag, tote bag, or backpack.
 11. The article of clothing or the accessory of claim 1, wherein the pocket is configured to be a modular pocket.
 12. The article of clothing or the accessory of claim 1, wherein the pocket is at least one of configured to be detached from the article of clothing or the accessory or moved with respect to a surface of the article of clothing or the accessory.
 13. The article of clothing or the accessory of claim 5, further comprising: a clip, wherein a first portion of the clip is configured to be attached to the pocket and a second portion of the clip is configured to be attached to the article of clothing or the accessory.
 14. An article of clothing or an accessory comprising: a bistable spring structure disposed over or through a section of the article of clothing or the accessory; a pocket having a sleeve or a clip attached to a back side or an inside thereof, wherein: the sleeve or the clip is configured to receive a portion of the bistable spring structure; or the clip or a tethering structure is disposed between the sleeve and the bistable spring structure, wherein the pocket is attached to the article of clothing or the accessory via the bistable spring structure.
 15. The article of clothing or the accessory of claim 14, wherein the bistable spring structure is a slap band.
 16. The article of clothing or the accessory of claim 14, further comprising: a first magnet disposed within the sleeve; and a second magnet attached to an interior side of the article of clothing or the accessory; wherein the pocket is attached to the article of clothing or the accessory via a magnetic attraction between the first magnet and the second magnet.
 17. The article of clothing or the accessory of claim 14, further comprising: a first magnet disposed within the sleeve, wherein the bistable spring structure is at least partially magnetic, wherein the pocket is attached to the article of clothing or the accessory via a magnetic attraction between the first magnet and the bistable spring structure.
 18. The article of clothing or the accessory of claim 14, wherein the sleeve is sewn to the back side of the pocket such that at least one side of the sleeve is open for insertion of the bistable spring structure, the clip, and/or the tethering mechanism.
 19. The article of clothing or the accessory of claim 14, wherein the back side of the pocket includes or is at least partially formed of a magnetic shield and/or a radio wave shield.
 20. A method comprising: attaching a pocket to an article of clothing or an accessory, wherein the attaching is at least one of via a magnetic attachment or a bistable spring structure. 